Asoka (City Centre)

Known for its upscale, sophisticated lounge ambience and live jazz, Asoka Restaurant on Kloof Street is a popular spot for socialising over handcrafted cocktails and small plates, with a special focus on Mediterranean and Asian-inspired dishes (think fish tempura, Asian beef tartare, duck spring rolls and wild mushroom and gorgonzola arancini). On Tuesdays, diners can enjoy live jazz by Mr Keys and the Funky Munks, followed by house music, while resident DJs play a mix of deep house and house music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling 021 422 0909. Please note: patrons under 21 years are not permitted inside the venue. Asoka is open from Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 2am and on Sunday from 6pm to midnight.

 

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Safehouse (CBD)

Barely a month old, this eatery and nightclub located on Church Street is popular for its upbeat deep house music, which patrons can enjoy from Monday to Saturday. The food menu includes small bites such as speciality sandwiches, wings and salads, that can be paired with ‘Safehouse Shakes’, cocktails, wine, beer or cider. On First Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Safehouse has DJs belting out a mix of hip-hop, house and Afro beats in the nightclub and the venue plans to start hosting live artist performances during the week, as well. Reservations are recommended for groups of four or more and can be made via Instagram. Safehouse (the eatery) is open Thursday–Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm while the nightclub operates Thursday–Saturday from 8 pm to 2 am and on Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm.

 

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Zsa Zsa (CBD)

Bringing a happening vibe to Cape Town’s CBD, Zsa Zsa on Hout Street is the perfect place to go for a great meal, accompanied by music to suit a wide palate. Diners can look forward to a menu featuring Mediterranean food, pastas, pizzas and steaks, as well as typical diner options like burgers, mozzarella sticks and chicken tenders, to accompany their milkshakes or classy cocktails. On Wednesdays, patrons can enjoy karaoke from 6pm onwards and from Thursday to Saturday, Zsa Zsa has resident DJs playing a mix of genres during dinner. Ava, a lounge bar on the same premises, offers acoustic music, performances by live artists and karaoke from Wednesday­ to Saturday, while Darling, its premier member’s nightclub, sees local and international DJs in action from Thursday to Saturday. Zsa Zsa and Ava are open to patrons aged 18 years and above, while Darling permits entry to patrons aged 25 and above. Reservations can be made online. Entry to Darling is free for diners from Zsa Zsa or Ava. Zsa Zsa is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm to 2am.

 

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Pitso’s Kitchen (V&A Waterfront)

If you’re looking for traditional South African food that includes braai platters, steak and wors, with Afro beats to match, Pitso’s Kitchen at the V&A Waterfront’s Makers Landing is the place to be. From Tuesday to Saturday, diners can enjoy foot-tapping Afro, R&B and jazz music, while on ‘Monate Sundays’ the resident DJ spins a mix of house music, amapiano, soul, deep house, R&B and hip-hop tracks. On select public holidays, Pitso’s Kitchen also has live performances by local artists or local bands. While the restaurant doesn’t have any age restrictions during the week, on Sundays, children under 16 years are not allowed in the restaurant after 5pm. Reservations are recommended on Saturdays and can be made by calling 068 544 8918. Pitso’s Kitchen is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 12pm to 8pm and from Friday to Sunday from 12pm to 10pm.

 

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The Jagger Lounge (CBD)

With a name as interesting as this one, nothing short of a vibey music venue can be expected. Located on Shortmarket Street in the city bowl, The Jagger Lounge has DJs playing a mix of hip-hop, R&B and Afro beats daily from 8pm onwards. The menu is set to match, featuring comfort food such as pizzas, burgers, pastas, salads, braai platters and seafood platters, accompanied by an array of exciting drinks to choose from. Patrons under 21 years are not permitted after 7pm. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 061 475 1046. The Jagger Lounge is open from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 12am, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 2am and on Sunday from 10am to 1am.

Have we missed your favourite spot? Tell us about it in the comments section!